The Ruts were a British punk rock band known for their influential contribution to the landscape of UK punk in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Formed in 1977, the group consisted of Malcolm Owen (vocals), Paul Fox (guitar), John "Segs" Jennings (bass), and Dave Ruffy (drums). Their music was a combustible mix of punk energy and reggae rhythms, which quickly set them apart from their contemporaries. The Ruts' lyrics often delved into social and political themes, reflective of the turbulent times they were birthed from.

Their debut single, "In A Rut," released in early 1979, became an underground hit and remains a punk classic. The same year, they released their seminal album "The Crack," which included the iconic single "Babylon's Burning." These releases solidified The Ruts' place in the annals of punk history. Tragedy struck in 1980 when frontman Malcolm Owen died from a heroin overdose, leading to the band's transformation into Ruts DC, adopting a sound that leaned more heavily on reggae. While The Ruts' time in the spotlight was brief, their legacy endures, as evidenced by posthumous live albums and compilations such as "Live - Get Out Of It!!", "Live At Deeply Vale", and the "Babylon's Burning Reconstructed" release, ensuring that their potent mix of punk and reggae continues to inspire new generations of musicians and fans alike.